Image-forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image-forming apparatus includes a reception unit adapted to receive setting information that defines designation of a storage area and a process to be executed, a setting unit adapted to set the process to be executed for the designated storage area based on analysis of the setting information, an access right setting unit adapted to set an access right to access the second data, a managing unit adapted to manage the designated storage area and the second data with the set access right in association with each other, and an execution unit adapted to execute the process set in the storage area for the submitted first data and the second data that is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image-forming technique.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, multi-functional peripherals (digital multi-functionalperipherals) having a number of functions added to a basic digitalcopying apparatus have been put into practical use. For example, it ispossible to perform facsimile communication using a scanner or a printeras a standard component provided on a digital copying apparatus. It isalso possible to rasterize code data sent from a computer into bitmapdata and print it using the printer. One of the multiple functions is abox function. The box function stores print images and scanned images instorage areas which are prepared in the storage device of a digitalmulti-functional peripheral in correspondence with respective users orsections and outputs the images in accordance with user's selection ofdata to be output, print settings, and post-process (finishing)settings.

The above-described prior art is disclosed in, for example, JapanesePatent Laid-Open No. 2006-53795.

However, to print a document stored in a box, the conventional digitalmulti-functional peripheral requires the user to do a cumbersomeoperation of selecting a document to be printed, inputting various printsettings and finishing settings, and then inputting a print instruction.In, for example, the life insurance industry, there is a case of use inwhich an insurance agent who has created a specification always attachesan explanation of important information to it and then gives it to thecustomer. At this time, the specification creator must select both thespecification stored in a box and the explanation of importantinformation by himself/herself consciously and input an outputinstruction. If the explanation of important information stored in thebox in advance is rewritten or deleted, no intended output result can beobtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of theabove-described problems, and has as its object to enable imageformation while preventing any operation error of a hot folder.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided animage-forming apparatus configured to execute a process, set inconnection with a storage area, on first data, in a case that the firstdata is submitted to a storage area, comprising: a reception unitadapted to receive setting information that designates the storage areaand the process to be executed; a setting unit adapted to set theprocess to be executed for the designated storage area on the basis ofanalysis of the setting information; an access right setting unitadapted to, in a case that second data stored in another storage area isdesignated as data to be used for executing the process on the basis ofanalysis of the setting information, set an access right to access thesecond data; a managing unit adapted to manage the designated storagearea and the second data with the set access right in association witheach other; and an execution unit adapted to, in a case that the firstdata is submitted to the designated storage area, execute the processset in the storage area for the submitted first data and the second datathat is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of controlling an image-forming apparatus to execute a process,set in connection with a storage area, on first data, in a case that thefirst data is submitted to the storage area, the method comprising:receiving setting information that designates a storage area and aprocess to be executed; setting the process to be executed for thedesignated storage area on the basis of analysis of the settinginformation; in a case that second data stored in another storage areais designated as data to be used for executing the process on the basisof analysis of the setting information, setting an access right toaccess the second data; managing the designated storage area and thesecond data with the set access right in association with each other;and in a case that the first data is submitted to the designated storagearea, executing the process set in the storage area for the submittedfirst data and the second data that is associated with the storage areaand has the set access right.

According to the present invention, image formation can be done whilepreventing any operation error of a hot folder.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of animage-forming system including an image-forming apparatus according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the overall arrangement of adigital multi-functional peripheral 130 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional arrangement of systemsoftware in a controller unit 133 of the digital multi-functionalperipheral shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of folders in an area accessible bya user;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual view of hot-folder setting control executed bythe system software of the digital multi-functional peripheral 130according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the definition of a hot-folderuse table 504 according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a hot-folder setting processaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a hot-folder setting cancel processaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a view for explaining setting of a hot folder;

FIG. 9B is a view for explaining cancel of a hot folder;

FIG. 10 is view for explaining an example of the description of ahot-folder setting file according to the embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a document-access-right changeprocessing method;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a document-access-right-changeprocessing method according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a document-use change processingmethod according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a document-access-right changeprocessing method according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a process of deleting a documentfor which a document access right is set.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that theconstituent elements described in the embodiments are merely examples.The technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scopeof claims and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

First Embodiment (Example of Arrangement of Image-Forming System)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of animage-forming system including an image-forming apparatus according tothe embodiment of the present invention. The image-forming apparatusincludes an information-processing apparatus (client computer) 120 andan image-forming apparatus (digital multi-functional peripheral) 130. Itis possible to connect a plurality of client computers 120 and aplurality of digital multi-functional peripherals 130 via a network 140.The client computer 120 can communicate with the digitalmulti-functional peripheral 130 via the network 140 such as a LAN to setand mange it or submit various jobs.

(Example of Arrangement of Digital Multi-Functional Peripheral 130)

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the overall arrangement of thedigital multi-functional peripheral 130 shown in FIG. 1. A controllerunit 133 is connected to a scanner unit 131 serving as an image-inputdevice and a printer unit 132 serving as an image-output device. Thecontroller unit 133 is also connected to the network (LAN) 140 and apublic line (WAN) 150 to input or output image information or deviceinformation.

A CPU 200 in the controller unit 133 is a controller which controls theentire system. A RAM 201 is a system work memory for the operation ofthe CPU 200 and also serves as an image memory (buffer memory) totemporarily store input image data. A ROM 202 is a boot ROM which storesthe boot program of the system. A hard disk drive (HDD) 203 storessystem software and image data.

An operation unit I/F 204 is an interface unit to an operation unit 134.The operation unit I/F 204 outputs, to the operation unit 134, imagedata to be displayed on the operation unit 134 and the information ofthe image data. The operation unit I/F 204 also transmits, to the CPU200, information input by the operator via the operation unit 134.

A network unit (Network) 205 is connected to the network (LAN) 140 toinput or output information. A MODEM 206 is connected to the public line(WAN) 150 to input or output image information. The above-describeddevices are arranged on a system bus 207.

An Image Bus I/F 208 is a bus bridge which connects the system bus 207to an image bus 209 for transferring image data at a high speed toconvert a data structure. The image bus 209 is formed from a PCI bus orIEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 209.

A raster image processor (RIP) 210 rasterizes a PDL code into a bitmapimage. A device I/F 211 connects the scanner unit 131 and the printerunit 132, which serves as the image input and output devices, to thecontroller unit 133 via an image input unit interface 212 and a printunit interface 213, respectively. The device I/F 211 executes conversionbetween a synchronous system and an asynchronous system of image data. Ascanner-image-processing unit 214 corrects, processes, and edits inputimage data. The scanner image-processing unit 214 also has a function ofdetermining the type of an input image, color document or monochromedocument, in accordance with image chroma signals and holding thedetermination result. A printer image-processing unit 215 corrects,processes, and edits output image data.

An image-rotating unit 216 can rotate an image and store it in thememory in cooperation with the scanner image-processing unit 214simultaneously with image read by the scanner unit 131. Theimage-rotating unit 216 can also rotate an image in the memory and storeit in the memory, or print an image in the memory while rotating it incooperation with the printer image-processing unit 215.

An image-compression unit 217 executes JPEG compression/decompressionfor multi-valued image data and JBIG/MMR/MR/MH compression/decompressionfor binary image data. A resolution-converting unit 218 performs aresolution-conversion process of an image in the memory and stores it inthe memory. A color-space-converting unit 219 converts, for example, aYUV image in the memory into a Lab image by a matrix operation andstores it in the memory. A tone-converting unit 220 converts, forexample, an 8-bit 256-tone image in the memory into a 1-bit 2-tone imageby error diffusion processing and stores it in the memory. Theimage-rotating unit 216, image-compression unit 217,resolution-converting unit 218, color-space-converting unit 219, andtone-converting unit 220 can operate in an cooperative manner. Forexample, rotation and resolution conversion of an image in the memorycan be done without intervening the memory.

(Functional Arrangement of System Software) FIG. 3 is a block diagramshowing the functional arrangement of system software in the controllerunit 133 of the digital multi-functional peripheral shown in FIG. 1. Auser interface (UI) unit 300 supplies input information from theoperator to an application unit 301, receives the process result fromthe application unit 301, and generates a window to be displayed on theoperation unit 134. The application unit 301 executes a process inresponse to a request from the user interface (UI) unit 300.

Upon receiving a scan or print request, the application unit 301 submitsa job to a job control domain unit 302 together with designatedsettings. The application unit 301 can also receive the information of adevice state or job state from the job control domain unit 302.

Upon receiving a request to refer to or edit a stored document, theapplication unit 301 outputs an acquisition instruction or a changeinstruction to a document-managing unit 305 and receives a document listor information such as a document attribute from the document-managingunit 305. The application unit 301 also receives, from a servicecommunication unit 303 via a network I/F unit 304, a request todesignate settings of the digital multi-functional peripheral from theclient computer 120.

The job control domain unit 302 controls processing of a plurality ofjobs such as a scan job, copy job, print job, and FAX job. Thedocument-managing unit 305 manages image data as a document. The servicecommunication unit 303 transmits a request command to another digitalmulti-functional peripheral via the network I/F unit 304 using aprotocol such as WebDAV or FTP capable of transferring a file on thenetwork and receives a response. The network I/F unit 304 is connectedto the network 140 and processes a network protocol such as TCP/IP.

The HDD 203 in FIG. 2 stores system software and image data. However,the present invention is not limited to this. The HDD 203 can also storegeneral data files such as data for image management, in addition to theimages. This function is called a box of an image-forming apparatus. Itis possible to create a folder in the HDD and store an image data fileor general data file in it. A folder includes an area that allows onlyinternal access in the system having the image-forming apparatus and anarea accessible by the user. The user can store, for example, image datain each folder in the area accessible by the user so that the storedimage can be referred, edited, deleted, or output.

(Example of Folders)

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of folders in the area accessible bythe user. FIG. 4 illustrates three folders 401, 402, and 403 which storetwo data, three data, and one data, respectively. Note that the numberof folders is not limited to three, as a matter of course, and eachfolder may have a hierarchical structure. As a method of storing data ina folder, for example, image data obtained by causing the scanner unit131 to read an image can be stored. It is also possible to generateimage data from an application using a printer driver in the clientcomputer connected to the image-forming apparatus and store thegenerated data in a folder.

An image or other data may be stored by directly accessing from theclient computer to a folder using a protocol such as FTP, SMB, orWebDAV. The user can browse the folders and stored image data on theoperation unit 134. Image data is handled as a document in accordancewith the management of the system software. When a plurality of foldersor documents exist, the operation unit 134 displays a folder list or adocument list. By selecting a desired document from the document list,the user can execute an operation for the designated document or aprocess such as preview display, page insertion, move/copy to anotherfolder, document deletion, or printing.

A hot folder will be described. In this embodiment, a hot folderindicates a storage area where a preset operation is executed for afolder in the image-forming apparatus in accordance with a set event.When data (first data) is submitted to the storage area, theimage-forming apparatus can process the first data by applying a processset in the storage area.

A combination of an event and an operation to be executed in accordanceit is called a hot-folder setting. The functions of the image-formingapparatus can be set as operations. Examples of the functions are“document printing”, “FAX transmission”, “document transmission toexternal device by SMB or e-mail”, and “document editing”. Examples ofdocuments editing are “document copy”, “document move”, “documentdeletion”, and “merging with another document”. Other examples ofdocuments editing are “document deletion from concatenated document”,“page deletion”, “text generation by OCR (Optical CharacterRecognition)”, and “document format (image format) conversion”. Examplesof the event to be set in a folder are “document has been submitted(stored in folder)” and “predetermined time has elapsed after documentsubmission”. Other examples of the event to be set in a folder are “settime has come”, “user has logged in to image-forming apparatus”,“document status has been changed”, and “document was printed”. Theabove-described operations and events are merely examples, and thepresent invention is not limited to those. For example, any otheroperation or event can be set if a preset operation is executed for afolder in the image-forming apparatus in accordance with a set event, asa matter of course.

An example of a hot-folder setting method will be described next withreference to FIG. 1. The client computer 120 connected to the LAN 140creates a hot-folder setting. A hot folder can be created by making theuser describe it in accordance with a format defined in advance or byusing a hot-folder setting generating application. The client computer120 accesses, via the LAN 140, the digital multi-functional peripheral130 and notifies it that a hot-folder setting is to be transmitted. Theclient computer 120 transfers the created hot-folder setting to a folder(a box of the image-forming apparatus) serving as a hot folder. Thetransfer can be done using a protocol such as WebDAV or FTP capable oftransferring a file on the network.

(Hot-Folder Setting)

FIG. 5 is a conceptual view of hot-folder setting control executed bythe system software of the digital multi-functional peripheral 130. Ahot folder (to be also referred to as “HF” hereinafter)setting/execution instructing unit 501 in the application unit 301receives and saves a hot-folder setting, registers and receives anevent, and executes an operation. If a hot-folder setting indicatesthat, for example, a document stored in the hot folder should be mergedwith another document stored in another folder and printed, thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 inhibits any otheruser from changing or deleting the designated document. That is, thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 changes the accessright setting for the designated document.

An event-managing unit 502 manages event registration and request fromeach application and also returns an event in response to a request fromeach application.

An event issue unit 503 in the document-managing unit 305 transmits, tothe event-managing unit 502, an event related to document managementsuch as “document has been submitted” or “document status has beenchanged”.

A hot-folder use table 504 manages a document which is set in ahot-folder setting as a use target for an operation in association withthe hot-folder setting.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of the definition of the hot-folderuse table 504. The hot-folder use table 504 includes a hot-foldersetting file ID for setting a hot folder. The hot-folder use table 504also includes a use document ID to identify a document (document data)to be used in a hot folder, and a copy document ID to identify a copy ofthe document used in the hot folder. The copy document ID isidentification information for specifying the copy data of a document ofuse generated in step S1204 in FIG. 12 to be described later.

(Hot-Folder Setting Process)

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a hot-folder setting process.

In step S701, the hot-folder-setting/execution instructing unit 501receives a hot-folder-setting request and then receives a setting filetransferred via the LAN 140. At this time, thehot-folder-setting/execution instructing unit 501 can function as areception unit which receives setting information defining a process fora hot folder (storage area).

In step S702, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501analyzes the setting file and determines whether it is a hot-foldersetting file (S703). If it is not a hot-folder setting, an error processis executed (S704), and the process is ended.

If the file is a hot-folder setting (YES in S703), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 saves the hot-folder setting file(S705). At this time, the received hot-folder setting file is convertedinto an invisible hidden file. That is, the hot-folder setting file issaved in the hot folder as a hidden file. This prevents any access tothe hot-folder setting except when controlling it.

In step S706, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501changes folder type information managed by box management information inthe document managing unit 305 from “normal folder” to “hot folder”. Thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 functions as a settingunit which sets, based on an analysis of setting information, adesignated folder (storage area) as a hot folder capable of processingdata designated by the setting information.

In step S707, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501determines whether the hot-folder setting contains a setting to use adocument (second data) stored in another folder. Without use of adocument (second data) stored in another folder (NO in S707), theprocess advances to step S710.

On the other hand, if a document (second data) stored in another folderis to be used (YES in S707), the hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 sets an access right for the second data(designated document) to be used (S708). The hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 functions as an access rightsetting unit which sets an access right to allow a hot folder to accessa document (second data) when use of a document (second data) stored inanother storage area is designated.

An access right setting limits access related to a hot-folder settingby, for example, “inhibiting any person except system administrator fromexecuting deletion”. The above-described access right setting is merelyan example. Any other access right setting can be done if a process canbe executed in accordance with a hot-folder setting without changing adocument designated by it, as a matter of course.

In step S709, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501stores, in the hot-folder use table 504, the ID of the hot-foldersetting file and the ID of the use document (designated document) to beused in the hot folder in association with each other. This associatesthe hot folder with the use document. At this time, the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 functions as a managing unitwhich manages, in the hot-folder use table 504, a hot folder (storagearea) designated by setting information and a document (second data)stored in another storage area in association with each other.

In step S710, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501registers an event issue request in the event managing unit 502 toreceive an event which should trigger execution of an operation, andfinishes the process.

When first data is submitted to a hot folder, the CPU 200 functions asan execution unit which executes a process set in a hot folder for thesubmitted first data and second data associated with a storage area andhaving an access right setting.

In this embodiment, the client computer 120 generates a hot-foldersetting. However, a hot-folder setting may be generated on the operationunit 134 of the digital multi-functional peripheral 130, as a matter ofcourse.

An operation for a document whose access right has been changed will bedescribed next.

(Document Access Right Check Process)

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a process of deleting a documentfor which a document access right is set. To operate a document, theoperator designates box list display to display a box list on theoperation unit 134 in step S1501.

In step S1502, the operator selects an arbitrary box to display, on theoperation unit 134, the list of documents in the selected box (S1503).

In step S1504, the operator selects a desired document from the documentlist and inputs a deletion instruction for the document (S1505). At thistime, the document managing unit 305 determines, based on theinformation of the operator who is currently operating and access rightinformation set for the designated document, whether the operator candelete the designated document (S1506). If deletion is possible, adeletion process is executed (S1508). If deletion is not possible, anerror notification representing that deletion is inhibited is presentedto the operator (S1509), and the process is ended.

The above-described document operation and determination method aremerely examples. Any other document operation such as “inhibitingediting” or permitting printing only when merged with anotherdocument”and a determination process corresponding to the operation maybe performed, as a matter of course.

(Cancel of Hot-Folder Setting)

An example of a hot-folder setting canceling method will be describednext. Hot-folder setting cancel is instructed and executed by the clientcomputer 120 connected to the LAN 140. To cancel a hot folder, forexample, an instruction to cancel the setting of a folder designated bya hot-folder setting application is transmitted to the digitalmulti-functional peripheral 130 via the LAN 140.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the hot-folder setting cancelprocess.

In step S801, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501receives a hot-folder setting cancel request and analyzes a hot-foldersetting file. In step S802, the hot-folder-setting/execution instructingunit 501 determines whether setting has been done to use a documentstored in another folder.

If it is determined in step S802 that use of a document stored inanother folder is not set (NO in S802), the process advances to stepS807.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S802 that use of adocument stored in another folder is set (YES in S802), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 looks up the hot-folder use table504 (S803).

In step S804, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501determines whether the designated document is also being used in anotherhot folder. If the document is also being used in the other hot folder(YES in S804), the process advances to step S806. On the other hand, ifthe document is not being used in any other hot folder (NO in S804), thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 changes the accessright of the designated document (S805).

The access right is changed by, for example, canceling an accessrestriction such as “any user can delete”. This access right change ismerely an example. Any other access right change can be done if adocument designated by a hot-folder setting becomes usable as a generaldocument upon canceling the hot-folder setting, as a matter of course.

In step S806, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501cancels the association between the hot-folder setting (hot-foldersetting file) and the document of use in the hot-folder use table 504.The hot-folder use table 504 is updated by canceling the association.

In step S807, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501changes folder type information managed by box management information inthe document managing unit 305 from “hot folder” to “normal folder”.

In step S808, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501deletes the saved hot-folder setting file and finishes the process.

In this embodiment, the client computer 120 cancels a hot-foldersetting. However, a hot-folder setting may be canceled on the operationunit 134 of the digital multi-functional peripheral 130, as a matter ofcourse.

(Example of Setting/Cancel of Hot Folder)

Detailed examples of setting and cancel of a hot folder in the aboveprocess will be described next with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIG.9A is a view for explaining setting of a hot folder. A folder A 901 isset as a hot folder by a hot-folder setting process. A hot-foldersetting file 903 is transmitted from the client computer 120 and savedas a hidden file. The hot folder is set to execute an operation of“merging a document with another document and printing the document”when an event “document has been submitted (stored in folder)” hasoccurred.

An example of the description of a hot-folder-setting file will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 10.

The hot-folder-setting file includes, as constituent elements, FOLDER1001 indicating the path of the folder for which a hot folder is set,and EVENT 1002 describing an event that triggers execution of anoperation. The hot-folder-setting file also includes, as constituentelements, OPERATION 1003 describing an operation to be executed, andsetting information 1004 in the operation to be executed.

The hot-folder setting file 903 describes “A” for FOLDER, “documentsubmission” for EVENT, “merge printing” of “B/explanation of importantinformation” for OPERATION. In accordance with this description, anaccess right to inhibit deletion is set for a document “explanation ofimportant information” stored in a folder B 902.

When the user stores a document in the folder A 901, a “documentsubmission” event occurs. In the hot-folder setting file 903, anoperation “merge printing” of “B/explanation of important information”is set in correspondence with the “document submission” event. Hence, anexplanation of important information 904 in the folder B 902 is mergedwith the submitted document file and printed.

FIG. 10 shows a mere example of the hot-folder setting description, andthe present invention is not limited to this. For example, XML or anyother description method is usable.

FIG. 9B is a view for explaining cancel of a hot folder. The hot-foldersetting of the folder A 901 is canceled, and the hot-folder-setting file903 is also deleted by the hot-folder cancel process. This allows thefolder A 901 to, for example, store a document as a normal folder. Atthis time, the document “explanation of important information” stored inthe folder B 902 changes to a document not to be used in the hot-foldersetting. Hence, the access right changes to enable deletion of it.

The above-described detailed example is applicable to a case of use in,for example, the life insurance industry in which an insurance agent whohas created a specification always attaches an explanation of importantinformation to it and then gives it to the customer. The specificationcreator can automatically attach the explanation of importantinformation and print it only by scanning the created specification andstoring it in the hot folder. Additionally, when permanent informationsuch as an explanation of important information whose contents neverchange is securely saved without allowing deletion or editing,unauthentic printing can be prevented.

(Document Access Right Change Process)

The process of changing the access right of a document stored in anotherfolder to be used in a hot folder has been described above. It issometimes impossible to change the access right because, for example,another process is using the document.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a document access right changeprocessing method. This flowchart shows details of the access rightchange process in the hot-folder setting process, which is executedafter acquisition and analysis of a hot-folder setting file in FIG. 7.

In step S1101, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501acquires the status of a designated document. In step S1102, thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 determines whether thedesignated document is being used.

The hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 functioning as anaccess right setting unit can determine, by referring to a print joblist representing the status of a print process, whether document datastored in another folder is being used.

If the designated document is not being used, that is, the setting ofthe document access right is changeable (NO in S1102), the documentaccess right setting is changed to inhibit deletion (S1103). When thedocument data is not being used, the hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 functioning as an access right setting unit sets anaccess right for the document data so that the data becomes accessibleby the hot folder.

The above-described access right setting change is merely an example.Any other access right setting change can be done if a process can beexecuted in accordance with a hot-folder setting without changing adocument designated by it, as a matter of course.

On the other hand, if the designated document is being used, that is,the setting of the document access right is unchangeable (YES in S1102),the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 notifies the UIunit 300 that the access right setting is unchangeable (S1104) withoutchanging the access right setting, and finishes the process.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to implement a hot folderby associating a normal box with a setting file without creating adedicated hot folder on a program.

Even when use of a document in another folder is designated by ahot-folder setting, it is possible to automatically set an access rightfor the document. This prevents any operation error of the hot folder.

Second Embodiment

A process will be described in this embodiment, in which a documentstored in another folder to be used in a hot folder is copied and usedwhen it is impossible to set or change the access right of the documentbecause, for example, it is being used by another process. The series ofhot-folder setting processes is the same as that of the first embodimentshown in FIGS. 1 to 10 described above, and a description thereof willnot be repeated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a document access right changeprocessing method according to the second embodiment. This flowchartshows details of an access right change process in a hot-folder settingprocess, which is executed after acquisition and analysis of ahot-folder setting file.

In step S1201, a hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501acquires the status information of a designated document. In step S1202,the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 determines whetherthe status of the designated document is “in use”.

That the document status is “in use” indicates that a process such asprinting or editing is being executed, and changing the access rightcauses inconsistency. To acquire the status information, the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 periodically acquires a list ofprint jobs whose printing is progressing, and determines whether thelist includes the designated document. It is also possible to determinewhether the document status is “in use” by acquiring a change in thestatus of the designated document based on an event. The document statusinformation acquisition methods are merely examples. Any otheracquisition method is applicable if it allows determining the documentstatus. If the document is not being used (NO in S1202), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 sets the document access right toinhibit deletion (S1203), and finishes the process. The above-describedaccess right setting is merely an example. Any other access rightsetting can be done if a process can be executed in accordance with ahot-folder setting without changing a document designated by it, as amatter of course.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1202 that the documentis being used (YES in S1202), the designated document is copied toanother folder (Box) (S1204). The hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 sets the access right of the copied document toinhibit deletion (S1205). In this case, the hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 can function as a generation unit which generates acopy of data if the data is being used. The hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 functioning as an access right setting unit sets anaccess right for the data generated as the reference target of the hotfolder. In the process in step S1204, a hot-folder use table 504 storesidentification information (copy document ID) to specify the copieddata.

In step S1206, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501changes the operation description in the hot-folder setting file to usethe copied document.

In step S1207, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501associates the copy source document with the copied document by storingthe document ID of the copied document in the hot-folder use table 504,and finishes the process.

If the status of the initially designated document is not indicating “inuse” anymore, the designated document is changed to use the document.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a document-use change processingmethod.

In step S1301, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501acquires the status information of the designated document. In stepS1302, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 determineswhether the status of the document is “in use”.

If the status of the document is “in use” (NO in S1302), the processreturns to step S1301 to wait for the end of use of the designateddocument.

If it is determined in step S1302 that the status of the designateddocument is not “in use” (YES in S1302), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 changes the access right of thedesignated document to inhibit deletion (S1303). The above-describedaccess right setting is merely an example. Any other access rightsetting can be done if a process can be executed in accordance with ahot-folder setting without changing a document designated by it, as amatter of course.

In step S1304, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501changes the operation description in the hot-folder setting file to usethe copy source document.

In step S1305, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501cancels the access right of the copied document.

In step S1306, the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501deletes the copied document data and the document ID of the copieddocument stored in the hot-folder use table 504, and finishes theprocess.

According to this embodiment, even when a hot-folder setting designatesuse of a document in another folder, it is possible to automaticallychange the access right of the document. This prevents any operationerror of the hot folder.

Third Embodiment

A process will be described in this embodiment, in which when it isimpossible to set or change the access right of a document stored inanother folder to be used in a hot folder because, for example, it isbeing used by another process, the access right is changed after the endof use in a certain use situation. The series of hot-folder settingprocesses is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1to 10 described above, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a document access right changeprocessing method according to the third embodiment. This flowchartshows details of an access right change process in a hot-folder settingprocess, which is executed after acquisition and analysis of ahot-folder setting file.

In step S1401, a hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501acquires the status information of a designated document. In step S1402,the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 determines whetherthe status of the designated document is “in use”.

That the document status is “in use” indicates that a process such asprinting or editing is being executed, and changing the access rightcauses inconsistency. To acquire the status information, the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 periodically acquires a list ofprint jobs whose printing is progressing, and determines whether thelist includes the designated document. It is also possible to determinewhether the document status is “in use” by acquiring a change in thestatus of the designated document based on an event. The document statusinformation acquisition methods are merely examples. Any otheracquisition method is applicable if it allows determining the documentstatus. If the document is not being used (NO in S1402), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 sets the document access right toinhibit deletion (S1403), and finishes the process.

On the other hand, if the document is being used (YES in S1402), thehot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 calculates theremaining time of use of the document and compares the remaining usetime of the document with a preset threshold value (reference time)(S1404).

The hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit 501 can calculate theremaining use time based on, for example, the number of printed pages ina print process. If the time is not measurable, a value equal to orlarger than the threshold value (reference time) representing that thetime is not measurable is set. If the remaining use time of the documentexceeds the threshold value (reference time), the hot-foldersetting/execution instructing unit 501 notifies a UI unit 300 that theaccess right is unchangeable (S1405), and finishes the process.

If the remaining use time of the document is equal to or shorter thanthe reference time (YES in S1404), the hot-folder setting/executioninstructing unit 501 acquires the status information representing theprocess state of the designated document again (S1406) and determineswhether the document status is “in use” (S1407). If the status of thedesignated document is “in use” (YES in S1407), the process returns tostep S1406 to wait for the end of use of the designated document.

On the other hand, if the status of the designated document is not “inuse” (YES in S1407), the hot-folder setting/execution instructing unit501 changes the access right of the designated document to inhibitdeletion (S1403), and finishes the process. The above-described accessright change is merely an example. Any other access right setting can bedone if a process can be executed in accordance with a hot-foldersetting without changing a document designated by it, as a matter ofcourse.

According to this embodiment, even when the access right of a documentto be used cannot be changed, it is possible to accurately reflectsetting information on the hot folder by changing the timing of accessright setting based on the setting information. This prevents anyoperation error of the hot folder.

Other Embodiments

The object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying acomputer-readable storage medium which records software program codesfor implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to asystem or apparatus. The object can also be achieved by causing thecomputer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out andexecute the program codes stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program codes read out from the storage mediumimplement the functions of the above-described embodiments bythemselves, and the storage medium which stores the program codesconstitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium to supply the program codes are aflexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magnetooptical disk, CD-ROM,CD-R, nonvolatile memory card, and ROM.

Additionally, the functions of the above-described embodiments areimplemented when the computer executes the readout program codes. Thepresent invention also incorporates a case in which the OS (OperatingSystem) running on the computer partially or wholly executes actualprocessing based on the instructions of the program codes, therebyimplementing the above-described embodiments.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2007-194792, filed Jul. 26, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. An image-forming apparatus configured to execute a process, set inconnection with a storage area, on first data, in a case that the firstdata is submitted to a storage area, comprising: a reception unitadapted to receive setting information that designates the storage areaand the process to be executed; a setting unit adapted to set theprocess to be executed for the designated storage area on the basis ofanalysis of the setting information; an access right setting unitadapted to, in a case that second data stored in another storage area isdesignated as data to be used for executing the process on the basis ofanalysis of the setting information, set an access right to access thesecond data; a managing unit adapted to manage the designated storagearea and the second data with the set access right in association witheach other; and an execution unit adapted to, in a case that the firstdata is submitted to the designated storage area, execute the processset in the storage area for the submitted first data and the second datathat is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said access right settingunit determines, by referring to information representing a processstatus of the second data, whether the second data stored in said otherstorage area is being used, and if the second data is not being used,said access right setting unit sets the access right to make the seconddata usable.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein if thesecond data is being used, said access right setting unit calculates aremaining use time until an end of use of the second data, and if theremaining use time is not more than a reference time, said access rightsetting unit acquires the information representing the process status ofthe second data again and determines a process state of the second data.4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein if the second data isbeing used, said access right setting unit generates a copy of thesecond data and sets an access right for the copied data as a referencedestination of the data to be used for executing the process.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 4, wherein said managing unit manages thedesignated storage area and the copied data in association with eachother.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in a case that theprocess of the second data in use has finished, said access rightsetting unit changes the setting of the access right so that thereference destination of the data changes to a reference destinationdesignated by the setting information, and said managing unit cancelsthe association between the copied data and the access right for thecopied data.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a casethat said reception unit has received an instruction to cancel thesetting of the storage area, said access right setting unit determines,by referring to information representing a process status of the seconddata, whether the second data associated with the storage area is beingused, if the second data is not being used, said access right settingunit cancels the access right for the second data, and said managingunit cancels the association between the designated storage area and thesecond data.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a casethat said reception unit has received an instruction to delete thesecond data stored in said other storage area, said access right settingunit determines on the basis of the access right set for the second datawhether deletion is possible, and if possible, deletes the second data.9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein upon determining on thebasis of the access right set for the second data that deletion of thesecond data is not possible, said access right setting unit sends anerror notification indicating that deletion is impossible.
 10. A methodof controlling an image-forming apparatus to execute a process, set inconnection with a storage area, on first data, in a case that the firstdata is submitted to the storage area, the method comprising: receivingsetting information that designates a storage area and a process to beexecuted; setting the process to be executed for the designated storagearea on the basis of analysis of the setting information; in a case thatsecond data stored in another storage area is designated as data to beused for executing the process on the basis of analysis of the settinginformation, setting an access right to access the second data; managingthe designated storage area and the second data with the set accessright in association with each other; and in a case that the first datais submitted to the designated storage area, executing the process setin the storage area for the submitted first data and the second datathat is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.11. The method according to claim 10, wherein during setting of theaccess right, it is determined, by referring to information representinga process status of the second data, whether the second data stored insaid other storage area is being used, and if the second data is notbeing used, the access right is set to make the second data usable. 12.The method according to claim 11, wherein during setting of the accessright, if the second data is being used, a remaining use time until anend of use of the second data is calculated, and if the remaining usetime is not more than a reference time, the information representing theprocess status of the second data is acquired again, and a process stateof the second data is determined.
 13. The method according to claim 11,wherein during setting of the access right, if the second data is beingused, a copy of the second data is generated, and an access right is setfor the copied data as a reference destination of the data to be usedfor executing the process.
 14. The method according to claim 13, whereinthe designated storage area and the copied data are managed inassociation with each other.
 15. The method according to claim 14,wherein during setting of the access right, in a case that the processof the second data in use has finished, the setting of the access rightis changed so that the reference destination of the data changes to areference destination designated by the setting information, and theassociation between the copied data and the access right for the copieddata is canceled.
 16. The method according to claim 10, wherein in acase that an instruction to cancel the setting of the storage area isreceived, it is determined, by referring to information representing aprocess status of the second data, whether the second data associatedwith the storage area is being used; if the second data is not beingused, the access right for the second data is canceled; and theassociation between the designated storage area and the second data iscanceled.
 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein in a case thatan instruction to delete the second data stored in said other storagearea is received, it is determined on the basis of the access right setfor the second data whether deletion is possible, and if possible, thesecond data is deleted.
 18. The method according to claim 17, whereinupon determining on the basis of the access right set for the seconddata that deletion of the second data is not possible, an errornotification representing that deletion is impossible is sent.
 19. Acomputer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing animage-forming apparatus to perform a method comprising: receivingsetting information that designates a storage area and a process to beexecuted; setting the process to be executed for the designated storagearea on the basis of analysis of the setting information; in a case thatsecond data stored in another storage area is designated as data to beused for executing the process on the basis of analysis of the settinginformation, setting an access right to access the second data; managingthe designated storage area and the second data with the set accessright in association with each other; and in a case that the first datais submitted to the designated storage area, executing the process setin the storage area for the submitted first data and the second datathat is associated with the storage area and has the set access right.20. An image-forming apparatus configured to, execute a process, set inconnection with a storage area, on first data, in a case that first datais submitted to a storage area, comprising: a setting unit adapted toset the process to be executed for the designated storage area on thebasis of setting information that defines merging a first document witha second document stored in another storage area and printing the mergeddocument in a case that the first document has been submitted to thedesignated storage area; and an execution unit adapted to, in a casethat the first document is submitted to the designated storage area,execute merge printing the submitted first document and second documentstored in another based on the setting by said setting unit.
 21. Theimage-forming apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising achanging unit adapted to change the access right of the second documentstored in another storage area based on the setting information.